Nazrul Dance Festival 2026 Begins at Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka

The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has officially launched the two-day Nazrul Dance Festival 2026, bringing together a vast array of cultural organizations and artists to celebrate the enduring legacy of the national poet. The grand opening ceremony of this highly anticipated two-day cultural event took place on Saturday at the prestigious National Music and Dance Centre auditorium located within the premises of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Presiding over the inaugural session of the festival was Yasmin Begum, the secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Addressing the audience during the opening event, Yasmin Begum remarked that Kazi Nazrul Islam has consistently stood by helpless and oppressed people while simultaneously revitalizing society as a whole. She further emphasized that organizing such vibrant cultural events serves as a meaningful part of remembering the renowned poet through various artistic mediums.

Adding further depth to the inaugural discussions, prominent figures such as Rezauddin Stalin and Amanul Haque shared their profound insights regarding the artistic and societal significance of Nazrul's works. Rezauddin Stalin noted that classical music holds a significant place within the works of Nazrul, and explained that through dance arrangements based on Nazrul songs, organizers have endeavored to portray the love, separation, rhythm, and profound philosophy of life characteristic of the people of Bengal.

Echoing similar sentiments, Amanul Haque stated that artists are earnestly attempting to embrace the thoughts and consciousness of Nazrul within their hearts and express those very ideals vividly through the universal language of dance. The opening day's proceedings were further enriched by the participation of numerous distinguished individuals, including Moha. Harun-or-Rashid, Naim Khan, and Md. Nazmul Haque, alongside a broad collective of cultural bodies.

The festival features extensive collaborative participation from a diverse and expansive network of organizations, dance troupes, and academies. Among the participating entities are the Naim Khan Dance Company, Nrityayatan, Spandan, Bhabana, Nrityalok Sangskritik Kendra, Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, Kayashram, Swapnik Nritya Bikash-Madaripur, Anjali Nrityangan Academy, Artristry Artristry, Sadhana, Nrityayan, Nabdut Sangskritik Academy-Kishoreganj, Diksha, Tapsya, Nandan Kolakendra, Nrityamee-Mymensingh, Poraspora, Nrityakksha, Nrityasur, Swapnochura Cultural Academy, Gurukul Cultural Center, Zinia Nrittokola Academy, Bokul Nrityaloy, and Nrityam Nrityashilan Kendra.